LETTERS : According to Business Today in March 2023, the Programme for International Student Assessment by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ranked Malaysia at 57th for reading.
A World Bank Report published in 2019 stated that 13 per cent of students in Malaysia in upper primary level are not proficient in reading. Regretfully, Malaysia has seen a decline in young people's interest in reading.
One of the primary drivers of this trend is the widespread use of digital technology, which has altered how people consume information and entertainment.
Reading time has decreased as a result of the abundance of leisure activities made possible by the Internet, such as video games and social media.
Thanks to the ease and convenience of access to digital media, young people may now more easily satisfy their entertainment desires without dedicating a significant amount of time or effort to reading.
There are fewer incentives for young people to read books. Literature classes, creative writing, and book reading clubs are not mandatory in many schools, and even those that are might not be taught in a way that promotes a love for reading but merely just as preparation for exams.
This disregard for reading has led to a decline in the number of youths who consider it to be a pleasurable pastime.
Another issue influencing young people's interest in reading literature is the decline in bookstores and libraries. In many parts of Malaysia, bookstores and libraries are becoming increasingly rare.
The ones that are still open might not carry a large assortment of books, including bestsellers and the newest releases. The absence of easy access to books has made it harder for young people to develop a passion for reading.
Many bookshops had to close during the Covid-19 lockdown as a result of employees switching to remote employment and online learning. Some switched to selling books online.
Therefore, to counteract Malaysian youths' declining interest in literature, steps must be taken to promote reading as an enjoyable and valuable pastime. One way to do this is to introduce young people to a wide range of books that are relevant to their experiences and areas of interest.
This can mean encouraging the opening of additional bookstores and libraries that carry a broad range of publications, including works by local authors.
Lastly, reading may be promoted as a social activity. This could mean starting book clubs or reading groups, which would allow young people to discuss books and share opinions and ideas with others.
To facilitate young people's interaction with literature and provide them with opportunities to interact with authors, organising literary festivals and events may also be necessary.
Something must be done about young people's declining interest in reading. Steps must be taken to buck this trend by promoting reading as a fun and valuable pastime.
By exposing young people to a wide range of books, integrating reading into the school curriculum, and encouraging reading as a social activity, we can help youngsters develop a love for reading and reap the numerous benefits that come with it.
KESHAVAN KUMAR SUKUMAR
Training consultant, National Institute of Public Administration (Intan), Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times